COUPLING LINKAGES BETWEEN ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY PATHWAYS AND ECOLOGICAL RESILIENCE: A TOPSIS METHOD STUDY OF THE TUOJIANG RIVER BASIN OF CHINA

This paper examines the coordinated development of economic efficiency (EE) and ecological resilience (ER) in the Tuojiang River Basin (TRB), China.Using panel data from nine urban agglomerations in the TRB from 2011 to 2021, the spatial-temporal patterns and driving factors of ER, as well as the coupling degree between EE and ER, were analyzed.The analysis employs the TOPSIS method, a coupling degree model, and Panel Quantile Regression (PQR).The results indicate the following: (1) The EE of the major cities within the river basin varies significantly, it is crucial to leverage leading city effect and encourage the cross-regional flow of assets.(2) The economic development, ecological protection, and environmental governance of six major cities in the TRB are in a state of severe imbalance, with the situation unlikely to improve in the short term.Urbanization and the growth of the tertiary industry are key drivers for enhancing urban ER.It is necessary for government to allocate resources aimed at addressing shortcomings while also prioritizing urbanization development within the TRB.(3) The current extensive economic development model and high energy consumption in the TRB inhibit improvements in urban ER.To enhance ER, findings indicate transition the economic development model to one promoting industries that shift from carbon-based energy sources to clean and renewable energy sources.